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Auction: 23112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 174

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (1896 Sjt-Cook C. Baker, Somerset: Lt Inft), light contact wear, overall very fine

Charles Baker was born at Lopen, Somerset and worked as a Farm Labourer prior to enlisting at Taunton on 8 February 1887. Joining the 2nd Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry on 15 October 1889 in India, arriving in the wake of the last Anglo-Burmese War.

Returning to Britain on 15 February 1894 he re-engaged there in 1897 he was promoted Sergeant the next year on 27 May 1898 and appointed Sergeant-Cook 28 April of that year. Entering the Anglo-Boer War on 4 November 1899 with the 2nd Battalion Baker was to serve throughout as Sergeant-Cook. They were present for the heavy fighting during the 'Black Week' at Venter's Spruit and Spion Kop but saw little action themselves.

When the British finally broke through the Tugela defensive line the Somersets were closely engaged north of Colenso. The Battalion was then split between defensive positions and columns hunting down Boer Commandos.

Baker remained in South Africa until 2 January 1903 when he returned to Britain. Here he was awarded the Army L.S. and G.C. in October 1906, being discharged on 31 May 1908.

Further entitled to the King's South Africa 1901-1902 with 2 clasps and an Army L.S. & G.C.

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Sold for
£110

Starting price
£100